Environmental Science

Course Information

Program Overview

Environmental Science Degree at Assumption College

Students who pursue an Environmental Science degree at Assumption College share a concern for the welfare of our planet; this concern has inspired an increasing number of students toward impactful careers in environmental science. Environmental Science majors study the environment and the effects of biological systems on the environment. Students who pursue an Environmental Science degree in this field choose a specialization that enhances their understanding of resources conservation, environmental policy, and the effect of toxic materials on ecosystems.

Environmental Science Major

The Environmental Science major takes 17 courses in ecology, chemistry, biology, and geography. Students pursuing an Environmental Science degree can specialize in areas that include resource conservation, environmental policy and the effects of toxic materials. This academic discipline prepares graduates for a career in teaching, law, government agencies, industry, the health sciences or they can go on to gradual school.

Environmental Science Minor

A minor in environmental science requires 6 courses and may be of interest to students who want to deepen their understanding of the science of environmental issues.

Degree Requirements

Students who pursue an Environmental Science degree take 17 courses in ecology, chemistry, biology, and geography. A minor in environmental science requires 6 courses.

Required courses for an Environmental Science degree:

Concepts in Biology (can be waived upon successful examination)

General Chemistry I and II (can be waived upon successful examination)

Environmental History of New England or Introduction to Environmental Science

Ecology

Environmental Chemistry

Statistics

General Calculus I or Elementary Calculus I

Organic Chemistry I and II

General Physics I and II

Environmental Science Seminar

One of four:

Physical Oceanography

Introduction to Meteorology

Wetlands

Limnology/Aquatic Ecology

One of four:

Invertebrate Zoology

Botany

Microbiology

Marine Mammals: Biology and Conservation

One of eight:

Environmental Economics

Conservation of Natural Resources

Land Use and Planning Law

Individual and Community

Public Policy

Water Resources Planning and Management

Coastal Zone Management

Geographical Information Systems

Elective (choose 1):

Students can choose from the courses listed above or:

Environmental Science Independent Study

Analytical Chemistry

Instrumental Analysis

an approved COWC course

Required courses for minor:

Environmental History of New England or Introduction to Environmental Science

ENV 120 ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY OF NEW ENGLAND
In the past 15,000 years, New England has recovered from glaciation and been colonized by humans—first by American Indians, then by European immigrants. These and other events produced a series of changes in the biological landscape, some dramatic, some subtle. This course will examine many of these changes chronologically, concentrating on the relationships between humans and their biological environment. The laboratory will include field trips, lab exercises, and an introduction to some of the methods of historical biology. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Lab Fee: $400.00. This course fulfills the Core Curriculum requirement for a science with a lab. (Fall, odd-numbered years) Sholes/Four credits

GEO 134 CONSERVATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Topical study of issues relating to natural resources: their use, abuse, and future potential. U.S. resources will be stressed. A partial list of topics dealt with includes our carbon footprint, energy, alternative energy, water, fish resources, the Law of the Seas, waste disposal, environmental laws, and effective regional planning. Other issues will arise from class projects and discussion. Counts in Core as Social Science. (Fall, Alternate Years) Hickey/Three credits

ENV 150 INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
An introductory course designed as a foundation course for all students interested in environmental science. The interdisciplinary nature of environmental science will be stressed by covering the chemical, biological, and social aspects of environmental issues and problems in a case study approach. The lab will expose the students to both field and lab work associated with applied environmental work. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Lab Fee: $400.00. This course fulfills the Core Curriculum requirement for a science with a lab. Hauri/Four credits

BIO 220 INVERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
A survey of invertebrate animals from protozoans through invertebrate chordates, emphasizing their functional organization, modes of reproduction, ecological roles, and evolutionary relationships. In the laboratory, we will examine representative living and preserved specimens, concentrating on their structure and behavior. Three lectures and one laboratory or field trip each week. Prerequisite: BIO 160 or equivalent. Lab Fee: $400.00. (Spring) Sholes/Four credits

BIO 230 BOTANY
This course provides an introduction to the biology of plants. Among the topics considered are the role of plants in the biosphere, plant form and function, and the evolution of plants. In the laboratory, students examine representatives of the major groups of plants and learn the fundamentals of plant tissue culture techniques in order to study plant growth and development. Field work includes trips to a variety of local habitats. Three lectures and one laboratory or field trip each week. Prerequisite: BIO 160 or equivalent. Lab Fee: $400.00. (Fall, even-numbered years) Sholes/Four credits

ECO 235 ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS
The course examines the relationship between the environment, markets, and business organizations. After an overview of the economics of the environment, it focuses on (among other topics) property rights; externalities; human population problems; the allocation of depletable, renewable, and other resources; cost-benefit analysis; regulation and taxation; and the trading of pollution rights. Prerequisite: ECO 110. (Alternate Years) Kantarelis, White/Three credits

ENV 260 WATER RESOURCES PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT**
This is an interdisciplinary introduction to our most precious resources. Water has shaped our bodies, our planet, our history, our culture. How we manage it will shape our future. Because of increasing demand, waste, and pollution, we are depleting— and risk destroying—the limited supply of usable fresh water. This course will look at water through scientific, historical, and cultural viewpoints and survey contemporary water problems in all their dimensions—political, economic, and technological. Marine Studies Consortium/Three credits

ENV 275 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
This special topics course will explore an area of environmental science using the literature, and if appropriate, a crossdisciplinary approach. The course will allow the students and faculty an opportunity to investigate areas of environmental science that are not part of the regular curriculum. Staff/Three credits

ENV 280 COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT**
This course will introduce students to the coastal environment and its resources and uses; coastal zone issues resulting primarily from human activities; the framework established by the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act for collaborative planning and regulation of the U.S. coastal zone; the roles played by the federal, state, and local governments, advocacy groups, and private property owners; the design and achievements of these programs; and international applications of coastal management. Guest speakers and case studies (e.g., Boston Harbor project, nonpoint source plans, Cape Cod Commission) will be used to illustrate themes and the intricacies of public policy development. Marine Studies Consortium/Three credits

ENV 291 INTERNSHIP IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Directed study within an internship program. The student will be expected to keep a journal detailing the internship. The student will also be expected to write a paper (usually approximately 10 pages in length) summarizing an area related to the internship experience. An evaluation by the on-site supervisor will be considered when determining the grade. The student will be required to have a G.P.A. of 3.0 to enroll.

CHE 318 ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY
A specialized knowledge of chemistry is needed in order to identify, understand, and solve environmental problems. This course will be an in depth study of the chemistry of environmental issues and pollutants. Students will learn the mechanisms of important chemical reactions, as well as relevant analytical techniques related to environmental chemistry. In the lab, students will combine field work, analytical chemistry, and remediation techniques during their investigation of environmental problems. Prerequisites: CHE 131–132, CHE 201–202. Lab fee: $400.00 Hauri/Four credits

ENV 350 WETLANDS
Wetlands play a vital role in the hydrology and ecology of global landscapes. This course will consider several topics: the function of inland and coastal marshes, swamps, and bogs in water and nutrient cycles; the influence of wetlands on biodiversity, from microbes to vertebrates; the biological links between wetlands and human activities, such as agriculture, coastal development, and fisheries; and the legal framework for the protection and restoration of endangered wetlands. Prerequisites: CHE 132 and two Biology courses at the 200 level or higher. (Fall) Marine Studies Consortium/Three credits

BIO 360 ECOLOGY
In this course, students interpret published data, critique some original papers, and participate in class discussion on the following topics: limits on species distributions, demography, population growth and regulation, interactions of species, energy flow, nutrient cycling, community dynamics, succession, and patterns of species diversity. In laboratory, students participate in class exercises, and design, perform, and report their own group field projects. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory per week. Lab Fee: $400.00. Prerequisite: Two Biology courses or permission of instructor. (Fall, odd-numbered years) Sholes/Four credits

ENV 480 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SEMINAR
An in-depth study of a current topic in environmental science. This course will emphasize review and analysis of primary literature. Students will be expected to give oral presentations as part of the course requirements. Some example topics are Global Availability of Drinking Water in the 21st century, Eutrophication, and Environmental Pollution Control. Classes will meet for three hours weekly. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and six courses in environmental science or other science. Staff/Three credits

ENV 491–492 INDEPENDENT STUDY
Directed study or experimental research on some aspect of environmental science. Prerequisites: The student is expected to have a GPA of 3.0 and six courses in environmental science or other science. Offered by arrangement. (Fall, Spring) Staff/Three credits

** Course is available through Assumption College’s participation in the Marine Studies Consortium, an association of 18 educational and research institutions in Massachusetts dedicated to increasing understanding and stewardship of coastal and marine ecosystems. The courses are taught by working professionals from research and policy centers, providing students with a real-world perspective on marine science and policy problems.

Internships & Outcomes

Internships and Research Opportunities

Assumption students have been selected to participate in summer research programs at major research institutions around the nation. Also, Assumption offers on-campus summer research opportunities to upper-level students who apply to assist Assumption faculty with their research projects. Students selected for summer research positions receive a stipend and housing on campus.

All science majors are strongly encouraged to gain practical experience and course credit through an internship in their field of interest during their junior or senior year. Internships for academic credit give students practical, hands-on experience, allowing them to explore their career choices before graduating.

Undergraduate research sites

American Cancer Society

Genzyme

Harvard University

Juvenile Diabetes Foundation

National Institutes of Health

National Science Foundation

Novartis

University of California - Davis

University of Massachusetts Medical School

Recent student research topics

Using carbon nanotubes for electromechanical devices

Developing a tool for identifying antibody-producing cells

Studying the biology of aggression

Investigating the biology of metastasis in cancer

Studying the properties of room temperature ionic liquids

Summer Research Opportunities

Increasing numbers of Assumption students have been selected to participate in summer research programs at major research institutions around the nation, including the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the American Cancer Society and the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Also, Assumption offers on-campus summer research opportunities to upper level students who apply to assist Assumption faculty with their research projects. Students selected for summer research positions receive a stipend and housing on campus.

For more information on Natural Science research projects, visit Assumption's Research page.

For more information on interships, visit Assumption's Internships page.

Graduate Schools and Careers

Recent employers (sample)

American Airlines

Aventis Pharmaceuticals

Biogen Idec, Inc.

Eli Lilly and Company

Hasbro Children's Hospital

Massachusetts General Hospital

Mosaic Technologies

Pfizer, Inc.

Waters Corporation

Examples of graduate schools where Assumption students have been accepted:

"At Assumption I have learned not only about climate change, global warming and keeping people safe from environmental disaster, but also the many aspects of the natural sciences that prepared me to work with DNA and chemicals at my workplace. I am grateful to the wonderful professors and faculty who have challenged me and supported me throughout my years at Assumption."

"Assumption has provided me with numerous opportunities to grow as a student and explore the potential avenues I could pursue after graduation. I have always loved the environment and I decided the best way to preserve it was to work in law."

My internship focuses on using 3D modeling software to design and print milifluidic reaction channels. This internship has taught me that no field is isolated. I'm technically researching physical chemistry, but in the process I'm using math, engineering, physics, and computer science.

I’m conducting a research study on rescue medications in pediatric epilepsy in conjunction with a research fellow. Each day I go to the hospital and enroll patients into this clinical trial. I also have the opportunity to shadow world-class neurologists at the clinic and in the ICU.

With over 100 hours of handling clients with neurological, cardiopulmonary, vestibular, orthopedic, integumentary, issues; I learned a myriad of “soft skills” that cannot be learned from any textbook. I learned how to communicate my ideas and treatment plans to patients and aid them in effectively executing treatment plans under the guidance of licensed Physical Therapists. I also learned the importance of building rapport with clients, which I believe has set a solid foundation for me as I begin my studies and career as a future healthcare professional.

Elizabeth DiLoreto

Biology with a concentration in Neuroscience '17

Internship: Undergraduate Intern of the Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology Department at UMASS Medical School

My internship taught me how little I know. Being around people who have been so immersed in their field for so long showed the passion that one can develop for their field. This application-based learning really helped me to have a greater appreciation for what I was learning in the classroom. It also helped me to be more comfortable in the class labs, allowing me to help others with the concepts I already understood.

Dr. Michele Lemons, Rachel Avard, Michaela Temple and Monika Rettler

Natural Sciences

Project Name: Molecular Mechanisms of Neural Development

“I enjoy working with Assumption students and unlocking new mysteries about neuronal development. It’s extremely gratifying to carefully plan and execute a series of experiments with students and to ultimately (hopefully) obtain data that unveils a novel understanding about molecular mechanisms of neural development. It’s thrilling to be the first to answer a scientific question that no one else has answered! It is equally thrilling to see the ‘ah ha’ moment in students eyes as they make new discoveries in the lab after investing a lot of work and effort in their projects. Research in the lab is challenging and Assumption students bring a source of energy, dedication and optimism that are important factors for success.” - Dr. Michele Lemons

Project Name: The role of Tumor Microenvironment in Pregnancy Associated Breast Cancer

"Conducting research highlights the importance of the material we teach in the classroom. As science professors we try to stress the importance of what we teach to real life. Once the student arrives in the research lab, he or she begins to see how important the lecture material becomes since we use our knowledge of biology all the time in the lab. These research projects offer a great opportunity to work closely with a professor and we form close relationships with our research students that last beyond the students’ time at Assumption." - Dr. Jessica McCready